How to Moisturize From the Inside Out

In addition to eating foods that boost the moisture level of your skin, you can also supplement your diet with vitamins. In particular, vitamins A and B3 can help strengthen and maintain your skin [source: Medline Plus: Vitamins]. You can also try vitamins C and E for their antioxidant properties [source: Bouchez: Feed]. But be careful that you don't load up on vitamins, because many of them, such as vitamin A, are toxic if you take too much [source: Eledrisi]. If you want to use vitamins to enhance your diet, talk to your doctor about implementing a proper supplement plan.

Foods That Moisturize Skin

If you want to do everything you can to moisturize your skin, don't stop at applying moisturizer and drinking a lot of water. You can make "you are what you eat" your new mantra and choose foods based on how they will help your skin.

To get the most out of your daily meals, try including the following items in your diet:

Omega-3s -- Your skin has a natural barrier to help retain moisture, and that barrier contains omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding flax seed, salmon and walnuts to your diet to boost your omega-3 intake and moisturize your skin [source: Fries]. Some research suggests that foods that have vitamin E in addition to omega-3s, such as nuts and whole grains, provide an extra skin booster [source: Bouchez: Feed].

Spinach --Move over, Popeye, because spinach isn't just for making your muscles big. In addition to being chock full of vitamins, such as skin-strengthening vitamin A, spinach has plant compounds that -- according to some research -- help to keep your skin healthy [source: Mayo Clinic: Eating Well].

Berries --It turns out that berries aren't just tasty and fun to eat; they're also really good for healing your skin. Berries not only contain juice to help you hydrate, but they've also got antioxidants and vitamin C that protect your skin [source: Frank]. The antioxidants and other chemicals in the berries work to help your skin cells stave off damage [source: Bouchez: Foods].

What you put in your mouth can help your skin, but if you want to keep that healthy glow, there are also some foods and beverages you should avoid. Read the next page to learn which items to leave on the grocery store shelf.